The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-02-25

THE REPUBLICAN, POSITION.

THE REPUBLICAN POSITION.
In every step of the contest in regard to
the right of Lieutenant governor Robertson
to act as presiding officer of the Senate he
has kept clearly within the limits of the law,
good order and gentlemanly behavior. He
has taken no step that in any way violated
the rights of any other person, or any law or
any order of any court, even respecting the
order of the Circuit Court of this county,
which the Supreme Court has held had
transcribed its power and jurisdiction. Ev-
cry declaration or demand made by the Re-
publican minority of the Senate has been
peaceable and orderly, and every demand
made by Republican Senators clearly within
their rights as Senators Every act of the
Republicans of the House of Representa-
tives has been dignifed, lawful and in
good temper. The contrast between their
those of Green Smith and the Democratic
Senators. and the bummers, bruisers and
hangers on in and about the Senate chamber,
is as great as between the acts of gentlemen
and those of street brawlers and burglars
The Senate, as organized and held under
Green Smith, is a law-breaking body, not 9
valid law-making body-no more so than
would be any other thirty-two gutter Demo-
Gratis meeting in Coy's saloon. The House of
Representatives has very properly resolved
that, until the legally elected and qualified
Lieutenant governor shall be permitted to
preside over the Senate, as by the Constitu-
ton of the State he is entitled and COM
manded to do it will hold no communication
with that body. The end of the whole
matter, therefore, will be that Mr.. Robertson
must be recognized or there viii be no further
legislation by this General Assembly. No
appropriation will be made, no taxes levied,
no loan bill passed. The responsibility for
this State of affairs, and the troubles that will
come out of it, rest upon the Democrats OF
the Senate. Even if loan bill should be
passed. without the signature of Lieutenant
governor Robertson thereto, the bonds issued
under it would find no market among pru-
dent capitalists How the State will get
along without money is no concern of the Re-
pubicans Of the Senate or House. If Green
Smith and his usurpations are nearer and
dearer to the hearts and interests of the Dem
ocrats than the interests and welfare OF
the State and the public institutions,
then the people will place the blame and the
| suffering at the doors of those to whom they
| belong Governor Gray, possibly. may think
| that he can take care of the rights of the
people, and discharge the pecuniary, mora
| and benevolent obligations of the State with
| out the aid of legislation. If so, he will
doubtless be afforded the opportunity to try it
The calling of special session Of the Legis
lature without Acknowledgements Robertson
as presiding officer of the Senate should not
and will not change the action of the House
If the State is to be governed and controlled
by usurpation, the fact may as we'll be known
now as at any time. Half million of voters
of Indiana said in November last there was {
vacancy in the office of Lieutenant governor
and they elected Robert S. Robertson to fiji
that vacancy; and yet the thirty-two Demo
cratic Senators say that the will of the people
is no rule OR law to them. This is contes
between the people in their sovereign capacity
on the one hand, and Green Smith and hi
thirty one co-conspirators on the other. The
voice of the people was heard in November
1886, and it will be- heard in no mistaken
tones in 1888. The battle is on; the people
and the law, and good order, and good govern
ment on one side and Green Smith and hi
thirty-one followers on the other. The ap
peal is to the people, and to the people, OF
this issue, the Republicans of the Senate ant
| House will go.